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Student Rights and Responsibilities

SPU students with disabilities have rights to access, accommodation, and assistance, as well as a responsibility to adhere to SPU policies and procedures.

Rights

To not be denied access due to a disability, according to the law.

To receive reasonable accommodations that provide equal opportunity.

To have access to auxiliary aids/assistive technology, as available to other students.

To not be counseled toward “more restrictive career objectives.”

To receive assistance from the DSS office in removing physical, academic and attitudinal barriers.

To not be discriminated against due to a disability or receive any retaliatory discrimination, as protected by law.

Responsibilities

To identify themselves to the DSS office.

To provide documentation of disability.

To participate in an intake interview with the assistant director for DSS to initiate services.

To initiate specific accommodations by following the procedures outlined in this handbook and the accommodation agreement.

To provide the notice within the time deadlines set forth in this handbook.

To provide for his or her personal independent living needs or other personal disability-related needs.

To assume personal responsibility for meeting with faculty and requesting additional assistance.

Discrimination Grievance Procedures

Internal complaints

Students who feel they have been discriminated against because of a disability or perceived disability should refer to the SPU nondiscrimination policy. This policy outlines the University’s nondiscrimination policy, as well as internal grievance procedures if a student suspects discrimination.

External (OCR) complaints

Students are encouraged to follow the internal grievance procedure in an attempt to resolve complaints. However, students can file a grievance with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at any time.

Ordinarily, the time limit for filing a complaint with OCR is 180 days from the time the incident occurred. View information on how to file a grievance with OCR.

Questions welcome here!

Stop by Lower Moyer to learn more, or call us at 206-281-2475 to schedule an appointment.